Raphinha reveals he rejected Saudi offer that "could have changed his life"

Raphinha has revealed he rejected an extraordinary financial proposal from a Saudi club during the summer transfer window, preferring to remain at FC Barcelona where he is enjoying an exceptional start to the season.

The 29-year-old Brazilian winger, who scored a hat-trick against Racing Santander on Wednesday, is leading the Liga scoring chart with 9 goals in six matches. His impressive return is all the more remarkable given he is coming off a 2024-2025 campaign disrupted by injuries.

It was in an interview with Catalan radio station RAC1 that Raphinha lifted the lid on this Saudi approach. “I received an offer from Saudi Arabia that could have changed my life, that of my wife, that of my parents, my wife’s parents and my son,” he said. “It was a very significant sum. In terms of money, it is an amount I would never have imagined receiving in my entire life.”

Despite the scale of the proposal, the former Rennes player did not hesitate for long. His attachment to the Catalan club weighed more heavily than financial considerations. “For me things are clear: if the club wants me here, I will stay! And I also want to stay as long as possible,” he added.

This testimony fits into an now well-established trend: Saudi Pro League clubs are multiplying massive offers to attract players in their prime from Europe’s top leagues. Raphinha, meanwhile, has chosen sporting competition at the peak of his form.